It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since my young adult novel Altitudecame out. This was a departure from my usual work; it’s a contemporary story with elements of fantasy, but more grounded in real life than the fantasy and magic of the Timesmith Chronicles, or the futuristic science fiction of the Arkship Saga. Altitude stands alone, somewhere in between those other books and in many ways it’s the most personal of my stories so far.

It’s about three teenage girls who are about to leave school and move on to the next phase of their life. It’s about transition and change, and it’s also about being able to fly.

While coming to terms with her father’s illness, Tamsin discovers an amazing secret in the nearby wood: she can fly. It’s a secret too big to keep to herself, but the only person she can turn to is Abigail – a girl from school who hates her. As Tamsin learns how to control her newfound ability the bonds of friendship begin to unravel, starting a chain of events that could lead to tragedy.